A Millionaire’s Handshake: Fans Pay Thousands of Dollars for Messi in India
Lionel Messi’s visit to India has generated unprecedented fervor, and with him, exclusive experiences with exorbitant prices. According to the official event information, a handshake and a photograph with the Argentine star have cost his fans more than $11,000.
This VIP package, with limited spots, offers a unique experience: a personal meeting with the soccer player, an individual photograph, access to premium seating during the sporting event, and an official Argentina national team jersey autographed by Messi.
Local sources indicate that private meetings with the player, organized behind closed doors for corporations and VIP guests, would have reached even higher figures, reaching up to $120,000.For those seeking a more accessible experience, events open to the general public have prices starting at around 42 dollars.
Messi, world champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, concludes his visit to India this Monday, his first in the country in 14 years. The star’s agenda has been marked by a strict security device.
The journey comes to an end after a problematic event in Calcutta last Saturday, where a mass event at the Salt Lake stadium had to be interrupted and the player evacuated at 22 minutes, due to the throwing of objects from the stands.
The situation generated controversy within the venue, with thousands of fans denouncing serious organizational problems, despite having paid high sums for their tickets. Attendees complained that a cordon of politicians, officials, and security personnel obstructed the player’s visibility.
Regarding this incident, the police have arrested the promoter responsible for managing the event in the city, who was sent to 14 days of police custody on Sunday. Regional authorities have announced the creation of a committee to investigate and determine responsibilities.
